Rental Families: Connection & Community

Rental Family Explores the Profound Need for Human Connection in a Modern World

The new film Rental Family, directed by Hikari, offers a poignant exploration of human connection in an age increasingly dominated by artificial interactions. The project’s genesis lay in a deeply personal six-hour conversation between Hikari and Academy Award-winner Brendan Fraser, setting the stage for a film that resonates with universal themes of belonging and the search for authentic relationships.

A Six-Hour Conversation Sparks a Story of Connection

Fraser shared that the initial discussion with Hikari wasn’t heavily focused on the film’s plot. “We didn’t talk about the movie that much; we talked about life in general,” he told ABC News. This foundational connection proved crucial, with Fraser describing Hikari as “just like the sister I never had,” and affirming a continuing strong friendship. This emphasis on genuine human rapport underscores the film’s central message.

From Advertising to “Rental” Relationships: Phillip’s Journey

In Rental Family, Fraser portrays Phillip Vandarploeg, an American actor seeking a fresh start in Japan after a brief period of recognition following a single advertising campaign seven years prior. Phillip’s welcoming nature leads him to an unexpected profession: providing companionship services – acting as a stand-in partner, son, or simply a friend for those in need. His assignments are diverse, ranging from posing as a groom for a woman escaping societal pressures to interviewing a retired actor, Kikuo Hasegawa (Akira Emoto), in an attempt to rekindle memories of his past glory.

Throughout the film, Phillip embodies kindness, mirroring Fraser’s own public persona. “He’s the fish out of water, the babe in the woods, the naif in so many ways. And he’s seeking connection. He wants to belong,” Fraser explained. He added that Phillip’s move to Japan stemmed from a desire to escape something in the United States and forge a new path. Fraser also praised his young co-star, Shannon Mahina Gorman, calling her “such a find.”

The Complicated Reality of Faux Family

The narrative takes a complex turn when Phillip is asked to play the father of 11-year-old Mia (Shannon Mahina Gorman) to help her mother secure admission to a prestigious middle school. As a genuine bond develops between Phillip and Mia, he faces a moral dilemma: reveal the truth and risk shattering their connection, or maintain the facade and potentially jeopardize his job.

Japan’s “Rent-a-Companion” Industry: A Growing Trend

The concept of renting platonic companionship is not new in Japan, having existed for over three decades. The practice reflects a societal need for connection in a rapidly changing world. “It’s quite a common notion in Japan at this point…you do hear a lot in the media,” noted Mari Yamamoto, who plays Aiko, a Rental Family employee grappling with the ethical implications of her work. Examples range from providing company for simple outings – like choosing an engagement ring – to offering a comforting presence. One poignant example cited involved an elderly woman renting a companion simply to alleviate loneliness by having someone sleep in a guest room.

Beyond the Surface: Exploring the Human Need for Connection

Takehiro Hira, who plays the agency owner Shinji, emphasized the human capacity for finding meaning even in artificial situations. “The rental family might sound like a wacky idea but humans have the amazing ability to find meanings, or connections in situations even if we have nothing to do with it,” he stated. Hikari and co-writer Stephen Blahut further broaden the scope of “hired connection” through the character of Laura, a sex worker who provides Phillip with advice and emotional support.

Hikari defended the portrayal of this industry, stating, “They’re human. They’re people. They’re working, and they are also providing a service that could potentially help the clients or customer heal, even in those two hours.” She stressed the importance of acknowledging the dignity of all work, adding, “It’s very similar to what rental family is doing, except, as she says in the movie, ‘I help people physically. You help people emotionally’.”

A Reflection on Environment and Belonging

Rental Family also explores the connection between human relationships and the surrounding environment. Initially feeling lost in the bustling city of Tokyo, Phillip’s perspective shifts as his relationships deepen, revealing the city’s vibrant character. Fraser himself spent weeks immersing himself in the city, honing his Japanese language skills with the help of dialogue coach Eriko Yamaguchi.

Fraser hopes the film will encourage viewers to prioritize real-world interactions over digital dependence. “Don’t rely on your phone or some AI thing. Ask for help. This film is about people asking for help,” he urged. “Even if it’s a substitute, even if it’s only for a short time, it’s still valuable to them.”

Hikari echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the power of human connection to bridge divides. “Human connection is everything. This sounds so bizarre and so big, but this is how we make peace in the world, the connection that you create,” she said. “Because if you see that person face to face, you’ll get to learn about who they are. Even if you come from a different country, even if your countries are fighting each other, human connection can take us so far.”

Rental Family is in Australian cinemas from December 26.